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Former NH state trooper gets new state job after 2010 conviction

Staff ReportMarch 05. 2014 8:14PMA New Hampshire State Police trooper forced to give up his law enforcer career following a 2010 conviction for tampering with vehicle examination reports made a soft landing in the state corrections department, where he works as a civilian collecting court-ordered fees.

Lawrence A. Fredette III of Meredith was hired in May 2012 as a case technician level 2, state Department of Corrections spokesman Jeffrey J. Lyons said this week.

Fredette, who earns $29,094 annually, is responsible for collecting any restitution, fines or fees the court orders a convicted defendant to pay, then ensuring the money is distributed to the designated party, Lyons said.

Fredette, who was forced to surrender his law enforcement certification and resign from the New Hampshire State Police following his 2010 conviction, works as a civilian at the division of field services, which is located at the state Corrections Commissioner's administrative office at 105 Pleasant St., Lyons said.

"He never goes to the prison. There is no reason for him to. It is basically a desk job. They send out bills and make phone calls to people who owe money," Lyons said.

Fredette was convicted and sentenced June 10, 2010, in Concord District Court on three counts of tempering with public records while he inspected commercial licenses at New Hampshire State Police Troop G Barracks - Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.

Fredette was sentenced to 90 days at Merrimack County House of Corrections, all suspended for six months. In addition, he had to complete 20 hours of community service and pay $260 in restitution to the state.

Fredette applied for one of three case technician positions available with the state corrections department in 2011, Lyons said. He was one of three applicants who applied and was hired, Lyons said.

Lyons said the hiring process included a review of Fredette's prior criminal history to determine if it would affect his ability to perform the job.

"It was our conclusion that he would be an appropriate candidate for this position," Lyons wrote in a statement.

"We followed all of our hiring policies and practices and it is our belief that Mr. Fredette has already proven to us that he is a dedicated hard-working corrections employee and will continue to be so," Lyons said.

Fredette did not return a call Wednesday.

Fredette's wife, Ella M. Fredette, also is a state corrections department employee who earns an annual salary of $41,710.50 as a human resources coordinator level 2, Lyons said.

Ella Fredette worked for the department from about 1993 until the mid-2000s, Lyons said. She left for a period of time and returned about three years ago, Lyons said.